TAUNTON — As the number of overdose victims in the Taunton area spikes this year, the local faith community is responding with a prayer vigil scheduled for this weekend.

“This is a tragedy that has just reached tremendous proportions and has touched so many families,” said the Rev. James Tilbe, of the First Congregational Church in Raynham. “It’s hard to find a family now that hasn’t had some connection with this, either a family friend or relative or someone knows someone who died, or is struggling with this, or families that are in fear that their loved one might be next. It’s touched so many people.”

Tilbe said he and others from the Greater Taunton Clergy Association, including Sharon Lunsford of the Antioch Church in Taunton and Father Michael Scarlett, have been working to organize the event along with others who have discussed the issue at the organization’s recent meetings. In addition to prayer, the event will feature several local organizations who will provide outreach and support for those affected by Taunton’s opiate abuse epidemic.

“I think along with everybody else, there is a feeling that something needs to be done, but not knowing quite what needs to be done, immediately we thought we need to pray about the situation and gather people to pray,” Tilbe said. “But also ... provide a forum for people in the community, families and even those struggling with addiction themselves. To gather to pray is a valuable thing.”

The event, called “An Interfaith Prayer Vigil: An Evening of Healing,” will take place Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Baptist Church of All Nations, 61 Winthrop St.

Tilbe said immediately after the prayer portion of the vigil, which will also feature “inspiring music,” refreshments will be offered and an array of local organizations such as Community Counseling of Bristol County, Narcotics Anonymous, Morton Hospital, and others will offer resources for families and addicts.

“These people aren’t speaking or presenting, but they’ll just be there for people to talk to, about what can be done to help,” Tilbe said.

Since the beginning of the year, there has been a dramatic spike in heroin overdoses in Taunton, according to the city’s police department. As of Wednesday, there were nine fatal overdoses in Taunton and 123 total overdoses since the beginning of 2014, according to police.

The clergy group is promoting the event on social media and is hoping for a large turnout.

“All are welcome as we lift our prayers to heaven,” the group said in a statement. “Knowing that God hears our prayers, we will gather to offer prayers for healing and hope, peace and comfort. The service will include prayers for those struggling with drug addiction and their families. Prayers will also be offered for those in the community who are working to alleviate this situation.”

Page 2 of 2 - Music groups from local congregations will perform during the vigil, organizers said.

“It is hoped that connections will be made during this time of fellowship that will bring new hope to those struggling,” the group’s statement said.

Tilbe said he hopes the event is a step in the right direction.

“We hope that it’s a way for people to get together, come together,” he said. “The frustration is something we all feel. This will be a positive step. It is not the answer. This is a step. That’s all that it is.”